Liechtenstein Country Report
Overview
Executive Summary
Liechtenstein is a politically stable micro-state that is currently led by a centre-right coalition government. The country is a hereditary constitutional monarchy and the royal family has a comparatively high impact on policy-making. Although not a member of the European Union (EU), Liechtenstein maintains close ties with the bloc. The principality’s closest diplomatic partner is Switzerland, with which it also shares a currency. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO). The favourable business environment is heavily focused on financial services and banking. Inter-state war risks and terrorism risks are minimal owing to Liechtenstein’s size, its lack of armed forces, and its friendly relations with all ofits neighbouring countries and the European Union as a whole.
Operational Outlook
Liechtenstein’s business environment is favourable overall for both international and domestic corporations. The small, landlocked country benefits from well-connected infrastructure and transport links to neighbouring Austria and Switzerland. Industrial action is likely to remain rare and the labour force is generally highly educated and multilingual. Bureaucracy is not particularly cumbersome. For investors, low taxes on commercially active companies are as much a draw for manufacturing and research and development-oriented investment as the total tax exemption is for holding companies.
Terrorism
The risk of terrorist attacks is likely to remain very low as a result of Liechtenstein’s policy of neutrality and the country’s minimal impact on international relations as well as conflicts. Despite Liechtenstein’s collaboration with neighbouring countries on security issues, the country is unlikely to become a major target for international terrorist groups. There are no domestic terrorist groups operating in the micro-state.
War Risks
Inter-state war risks in Liechtenstein will remain negligible as the country is neutral and maintains friendly relationships with Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Due to its small size and the lack of armed forces, Liechtenstein is not involved in any international military missions. The country collaborates closely with Switzerland on national security issues.
Health Risk
Vaccinations required to enter the country
No vaccinations are required to enter the country.
Routine Vaccinations
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio: A booster shot should be administered if necessary (once every ten years).
Other Vaccinations
Tick-Borne Encephalitis: For stays in rural zones and for hiking enthusiasts (for children over the age of one).
For Children: All standard childhood immunizations should be up-to-date. In the case of a long stay, the BCG vaccine is recommended for children over one month and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine for children over nine months.
Practical Information
Climate
Liechtenstein has a mild mountainous climate. Summers are hot (20°C to 28°C) and humid while winters are cold and snowy. Temperatures rarely fall below -15°C. The Foehn, a hot and dry wind, tempers the climate, particularly in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months.
Useful Numbers
| Country Code: | +423 |
| Police: | 117 |
| Ambulance: | 144 |
Electricity
Voltage: 230 V ~ 50 Hz
Outlets:
Social Stability
Liechtenstein is an internally stable micro-state and risks of civil unrest are likely to remain very low. There is a low risk of protests and riots, while disruption through industrial action also happens only on rare occasions.